Worldwide DX Amateur Radio Forums - Ham - CB - HF - VHF - UHF

I found a used FT-747 radio for sale with an antennae for $350. Does that sound like a fair deal? I know it is an old radio, but I am just getting into ham radio and thought it might be a good beginner radio. What can I check for when I get to see it. It is unplugged so I doubt I get to see it work.

Would this be a good first radio?

Not bad at all especially with an antenna. If the radio works 100%, I'd go for it.

Personally, if the seller can't demonstrate (or guarantee) that the radio is 100% functional I'd walk away from it - unless of course the antenna by itself was worth the asking price. Parts for those radios are difficult to find if it needs repair...

Here is a picture of the transceiver and antennae. Can anyone tell me anything from the picture? I think it's a dipole antennae. Would I need anything else besides a power supply and maybe some new cable?

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but in this case it is speechless. Some close-up pics to show the physical condition would be (to me) mandatory, but it still wouldn't tell you if the radio is 100% functional or not. I'm not trying to rain on your parade, but unless I could see the radio in operation first hand or had some type of guarantee that it worked I'd pass on it...but that's just me...

Youre not raining on my parade, I am right there with you. I got an email back from the seller and he is willing to plug it into a battery so I can see it power up. But he has no antenna to plug it into so we will not be able to transmit, and I assume we will not receive much if anything. So I am not sure what I will do. I will probably go look at it Friday or this weekend. Any advice of what I can look for? Anyone?

There's just no substitute for a full work out. Just seeing it turn on and power up isn't good enough. Needs to be talked on with over-the-air radio checks. Ask seller if you can return it if has problems.

Alright, looks like we are doing a full test. The seller is being very cooperative. I need to pick up an "antenna feeder cable" with PL-259 ends to connect the antenna to the radio. Any suggestions on what to get? Any brand I should avoid or look for? Anyone on here sell cable that can get it to me pretty quick? It's looking good so far, I may have my first radio soon. Now back to my practice test so I can get my license.

Edit - Is RG-8X cable what I need?

RG 8X, also called MINI 8 will do just fine. And it's cheap

I saw that radio on display once at AES for 400 bucks brand new. The antenna will have almost no value. So haggle acordingly.
Rich